Richard August Wilkening - Boone

Richard August Wilkening, 77, of Boone and formerly of Perry, passed away, with his loving wife and brother by his side, on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.

Rich was born in State Center, Iowa on Aug. 30, 1940 to the parents of Carl, Sr and Laura (Gerke) Wilkening. After graduating from State Center High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for 3 ½ years and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Linda Burns and they were married on June 2, 1963. Rich worked in the tire and service station industry eventually becoming an owner of the Bauer Built Tire station in Perry, Iowa. Rich enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing cards and games, bowling, traveling, going to the casino, tinkering, telling stories and spending time with his grandkids. He also enjoyed his time with the Order of the Eagles and his coffee club buddies whom he would meet early every morning. He served in many capacities at Mt. Olivet Church in Perry and he helped with crafting when called upon. Rich was always ready for a good time and enjoyed many of them with family & friends—and a beer or two.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years (Linda), brothers (Jerry) of Ankeny, (Denny) of State Center, sister (Adele Smith) of Des Moines, sisters-in-law (Pat Wilkening) of State Center and (Janet Burns) of Grinnell, his three sons Todd (Tammy) of Fountain Hills, Ariz., Jeff (Monica) of Boone, and Steve (Michelle) of Perry. He has seven grandchildren (Colton, Brock, Spencer, Halle, Nicholas, Zachary, and Noah), and one great grandchild, Sophia. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl, Sr. and Laura Wilkening and brother Pete (Carl, Jr.) Wilkening.

Visitation will be held at the Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. Services will be held on Monday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone with a luncheon following the service and burial. Burial will take place at Linwood Park Cemetery, Boone, Iowa. Casual dress/attire is requested.

Memorials can be given to the Iowa Paralyzed Veterans Association or The ALS Association Iowa Chapter in his honor.